German golden girl wins top FIVB awards

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Laura Ludwig celebrates in Hamburg after she and Kira Walkenhorst won gold at the World Tour Finals

Olympic, World and Swatch World Tour Finals champion Laura Ludwig has even more cause for celebration after scooping not one but FOUR end-of-season awards.

The 32-year-old German was crowned the FIVB’s Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 season following a vote from fellow players, coaches and officials.

And the hero of this summer’s showpiece in Vienna was also named Best Defensive Player, Most Inspirational and Sportswomen of the Year by the sport’s governing body.

Her four awards arrive despite an injury-hit season for her and teammate Kira Walkenhorst, that ended in glory with a World Championship and Swatch World Tour Finals double. Walkenhorst was also honored in the awards, winning the Best Hitter award.

Legendary Brazilian Larissa Maestrini, who with Talita Antunes won bronze in Vienna and Hamburg, was named Best Offensive Player and, for the 10th time, Best Setter. Canada’s net patroller Sarah Pavan regained her Top Blocker title and April Ross – who took silver at the World Champs – was voted Top Server.

Pavan’s new partner for 2017, Melissa Humana-Paredes was named Most Improved Player of the Year, after a season that saw the Canadian duo reach the final four in seven of their eight tournaments this season, and included a superb gold medal at the Poreč Major.

Another highly-rated star of 2017, Sara Hughes of the United States, took home the Rookie of the Year prize. The 22-year-old Californian enjoyed a fine year with partner Kelly Claes that not only saw the duo finish ninth at the World Championships but also secure top-10 finishes in five international tournaments.

Women’s roll of honor

Most Outstanding – Laura Ludwig

Sportswoman of the Year – Laura Ludwig

Most Inspirational – Laura Ludwig

Best Defensive Player – Laura Ludwig

Best Hitter – Kira Walkenhorst

Best Setter – Larissa Maestrini

Best Offensive Player – Larissa Maestrini

Best Server – April Ross

Top Blocker – Sarah Pavan

Most Improved Player – Melissa Humana-Paredes

Rookie of the Year – Sara Hughes

Congratulations to all the winners!
 

Click here to see who won what in the men's awards.